Skybus to End Newquay–Gatwick PSO Flights
Skybus will terminate its London Gatwick–Newquay service on May 31, 2026, after Cornwall Council decided not to continue public service obligation support for the route.
The Land’s End-based carrier said the decision raises serious concerns about Cornwall’s air connectivity, employment in the local aviation sector, and the financial sustainability of Cornwall Airport Newquay. Managing director Jonathan Hinkles warned that the PSO, previously funded 50% by the UK Department for Transport, had played a significant role in supporting the airport’s finances. He added that other commercial routes operate with substantial discounts on standard airport charges.
Skybus took over the London route in November 2025 under an interim arrangement following the bankruptcy of Eastern Airways. The airline had planned to introduce an ATR72 for the service but currently operates the route using a DHC-8-Q400 wet-leased from Universal Air and flown under the GR code of Aurigny Air Services.
The carrier was the only bidder for the permanent PSO contract due to begin on June 1, 2026. However, Cornwall Council said the proposal did not meet compliance requirements. Council leader Leigh Frost stated that the authority was legally unable to accept a non-compliant bid and noted that this was the second time the route had been tendered under what he described as the most flexible PSO framework offered to date.
Skybus disputed the council’s position, arguing that the authority declined to consider its proposal or engage in dialogue over what it described as a single disputed element related to airport fees and charges.
Under the revised PSO structure, the UK government reduced its contribution from 66.7% to 50%, increasing the financial burden on local authorities. With no compliant bids secured, Cornwall Council said it will now seek to maintain the Newquay–London link on purely commercial terms.
Ryanair, Ryanair UK, and Loganair remain the only other airlines currently serving Cornwall Airport Newquay, as the region faces renewed uncertainty over its direct air connection to London.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com